[Elecraft] Ultimate System

[Rick Bates, WA6NHC]

Let's see... You're supporting making the contact, hand writing in the log details, taking the time to fill out, mail then wait for a returning QSL card all to fill your day.

I submit that electronic logging, with automatic upload to services like LOTW, Clublog, QRZ and getting a near immediate return confirmation results in one huge benefit... I can get back to operating quicker to make more contacts (be it DX, a contest or a ragchew).  It's simply a more efficient use of time, sometimes in places where time and numbers matter (like contests).  It allows me to do more of what I want to do, operate.

I also use a remotely controlled station, automatic antenna tuner and antenna switch and an instant on amplifier.  I started with much less and I enjoy the reduced load on me so I can focus on different things and enjoy them more.  I know I can manage with less but have no desire to return to my earlier stations.

I look at it as combining my interests (and toys like computers, networks, radios) into ways that make things both complex to set up (any modern radio), but easier to use once that is completed.  It has allowed me to do some super cool things such as having my morning cuppa while watching the sunrise on an Alaskan volcano while participating in the local 'old guy' net at home, several thousand miles away, thanks to the new technology I use.  (I bluetooth audio to a laptop or iOS device and use the remote control features of my home station from the same device.)  I can go back to old school, but at what cost in this example?

In fairness, the 'new' method of logging and QSL isn't as elegant or personal as receiving a hand written card, akin to texting instead of mail or a phone call compared to email.  I get that.  But with the limited time we have in this place, I'll take the fun over the tedious.  I'll leave the personal touches for the contact itself and hopefully recontact that station on several band/modes to develop a relationship over time.

73 es Happy Christmas,
Rick, WA6NHC

iPad = small keypad = typos = sorry ;-)

> On Dec 8, 2014, at 5:17 AM, G4GNX <G4GNX at theatreorgans.co.uk> wrote:
> 
> Stan.
> 
> I felt the same way, having returned to Ham Radio after 20 years away (shame on me!!!).
> 
> I still feel the same way in some circumstances and I still hand write my QSOs and transfer to a computer log later. One reason for this is that I don't believe in using one media to prop-up another. i.e. The Internet to prop-up Ham Radio. Ham Radio is quite capable of standing on its own two feet, but it takes some work on our part. This seems to be part of the problem - the World is getting lazy. However, as in all things, progress must be made and I truly welcome such enhancements as DSP, high quality filters, transistors replacing tubes and my one major indulgence - an auto-tuner (apart from the one in my K3).
> 
> I suppose that if all of this extra 'stuff' had been available in the very early days, we would all have accepted it as part of the scene and looked for new challenges to occupy our time.
>